Kickoff for Kompetensarena Norrbotten – an investment in the competence of the future
Norrbotten is facing a major challenge, securing the right skills for the future labor market. Some time ago, stakeholders from across the region came together to begin long-term work.
– The jobs of the future are here, but we need to ensure that we have the right skills to fill the upcoming job opportunities, says Karin Erkki, project manager for Kompetensarena Norrbotten.
Collaboration for a common solution
Norrbotten has few inhabitants over a large area and the labor market is changing rapidly. At the project's kick-off meeting, the importance of the region itself taking responsibility for the supply of skills was discussed.
– Collaboration between different actors is the key to success, then we will be stronger as a region and can own the issue of skills supply ourselves, emphasized Martin Bergvall from Akademi Norr.
Eva Jonsson, head of the growth and integration unit at Luleå Municipality, agrees and sees this as an important investment for the region's growth.
– It will strengthen cooperation in the county and help us reach out with messages about jobs and life in the north. Even though I represent the largest municipality on the coast, I see the importance of keeping the entire county together. When we communicate outside Norrbotten, we should talk about northern Sweden as a whole.
Inspiration and commitment
The day invited networking conversations where it was noted that new contacts and exchanges of experience are important. Several of the participants also emphasized the importance of acting quickly and not waiting for someone else to solve the issue of the right skills.
– There is a great commitment in the group to strengthening the supply of skills together. We have an important journey ahead of us, this is when the real work begins, says Karin Erkki.
The next step will be to form working groups that will review and develop strategies in collaboration with local and regional stakeholders.
Text: Charlotte Högnelid
Picture: Sara Kandel
Kompetensarena Norrbotten is a project that aims to manage the county's increasing skills needs as a result of the extensive industrial establishment in Norrbotten.
The project is run by Region Norrbotten in collaboration with the county's municipalities and business companies, Akademi Norr and the Lapland Municipal Association. It is funded by the European Social Fund, ESF+.
